The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

Writers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses know the frustrations of marketing. You pay for ads and work to build your social media traffic but see little impact. Instead of wondering why your promotions don’t work, it could be time to adopt storytelling in marketing.

A couple of years ago, while researching for a client, I came across a podcast and had my first exposure to a company called StoryBrand. At the time, client work was straggling in, I’d been a devotional blogger for several years, and I was beyond frustrated with the traffic and sales I wasn’t seeing. In all transparency, I questioned whether I had what it takes to be in business for myself. Maybe you’ve been there too.

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I felt like a failure and wrestled, almost daily, with the idea of quitting the life of an entrepreneur and going back to the corporate world. There seemed to be a ceiling I couldn’t break through. I could only take my business so far before hitting a plateau and then watching my income stagnate or fall backward.

Then I listened to Donald Miller in a podcast about StoryBrand. He explained the power of a story and the success it brings to marketers. I devoured his book, Building a StoryBrand. I knew this was the answer I’d been waiting for—and I was right. Soon, I embraced storytelling in marketing so completely I wanted to use what I learned to help others.

Since then, I’ve watched my own businesses grow—without putting all my hopes in the social media bucket. I can’t express to you what a relief it is to spend more time on business and less on social posts. And I’m blessed to help others as a StoryBrand Certified Guide. By guiding other small businesses and ministries to take a storytelling approach to their messaging, I’ve watched their frustrations dissolve into exciting celebrations.

How is Storytelling used in Marketing?

In today’s culture, people see well over 5,000 advertising campaigns every day. The sad truth is we’re so inundated with promotions we no longer buy the best products and services. We buy what we can most easily understand.

Story is a sense-making device. And it’s easy to imagine ourselves as part of a story.

In the “old days,” businesses told customers facts about their products and then hoped they’d engage. By adding storytelling to our messaging, we invite our potential customers to envision how our service will help them overcome a problem they face. Through story, we evoke emotion and help them see how great their life can be with our help.

Using Storytelling to Strengthen Your Brand

The best way to strengthen a brand through storytelling is to focus on the customer as the hero of the story. Too many businesses position themselves as the hero—sharing their expertise, their academic training, or the number of years they’ve been in business. There is a shift that happens when a brand serves as a guide who helps the hero win the day. In other words, the brand is Yoda or Obi-Wan, while the customer is Luke Skywalker.

Brands are strengthened when they point the hero (their potential customers) toward products and services that will help them conquer the problems they encounter. When a business guides a customer to success, their brand becomes stronger.

Examples of Storytelling in Marketing

Now that you can see a clearer picture of using storytelling in marketing, I believe a few examples are in order.

Amazon has a commercial about a ballerina that brings me to tears each time I see it. And the story rings true. We know we can easily find what we’re searching for on Amazon and make purchases that help us engage with those around us. As customers, we can see ourselves caring for our neighbors in a similar fashion.

Another of my favorites is this branding video by 6th Avenue Homes in Texas. The team draws potential customers into a story and helps them envision themselves enjoying the services provided. While it is a video, it's clear to see their storytelling message. 

In both instances, the customer becomes the hero and finds success through the help of a guide.

Advance Your Business

Writers, small business owners, and ministry leaders often feel insecure because they haven’t mastered strong marketing and business principles. Secretly, they wonder if they have what it takes to grow a successful business, and imposter syndrome sets in.

I understand completely because I’ve walked that exact path and finally found a way to overcome it.

The power of storytelling in messaging and marketing is something I've seen first-hand. I believe it’s a concept every business owner should embrace as soon as possible.

If you’re ready to gain traction in your marketing efforts and earn the loyalty of your customers, I invite you to schedule a discovery call. Let’s see if done for you services or a coaching plan might be the tool you’re missing to help you master effective messaging, marketing, and proven business strategies. 

You've invested in your craft, and you have products and services that are worthy of recognition. Now invest in your brand, discover the value of effective marketing, and watch your reach expand.

Entrepreneurs often have mind-blowing ideas but struggle to execute strong business and marketing principles. I help them master repeatable frameworks so they make more money while prioritizing what matters most.

As we work together, I'll help you adopt effective business-building strategies and increase profits. I can't wait to come alongside you on your business journey.